IAI Lavi

Multi-role fighter

The IAI Lavi
multi-role fighter did not represent sufficient advantage over the
American F-16

Entered service

-

Crew

1 men

Dimensions and weight

Length

14.57 m

Wing span

8.78
m

Height

4.78
m

Weight (empty)

7.03 t

Weight (maximum take off)

19.28 t

Engines and performance

Engines

1 x Pratt & Whitney PW1120

Traction (dry / with afterburning)

~ 55.6 / 82.7 kN

Maximum speed

1 965 km/h

Service ceiling

15.2 km

Range

2 100 - 3 700 km

Combat radius

?

Armament

Cannon

1 x 30-mm DEFA

Missiles

?

Bombs

?

The Lavi
(young lion) multi-role fighter was developed by the Israel Aircraft
Industry (IAI) in the 1980s. First prototype made its maiden flight
in 1986. Original requirement was for 300 aircraft of this type to
replace the
A-4 Skyhawks. The Lavi fighter project was cancelled in 1987
due to funding problems. Only five airframes were ever built. One of
the project cancellation reasons was that this fighter did not
represent a sufficient advantage over the
F-16 and other comparable aircraft. Nevertheless it was an
important milestone in the development of the IAF. Later Israel
acquired a large number of American planes.

The Lavi
aircraft has a delta wing with large steerable canards at the front.
Aircraft was powered by a single Pratt & Whitney engine, fitted with
an afterburner.

Avionics of
the IAI Lavi were considered to be innovative. It was completed with
sophisticated fly-by-wire system. This fighter was also equipped
with advanced pulse Doppler radar.

Primary
mission for this aircraft was close air support and interdiction. It
was armed with a single 30-mm cannon and could carry over 7 000 kg
of missiles and bombs on 11 hardpoints and two wingtip rails.

Both
single-seat and two-seat versions were developed. The two-seater was
fully combat capable advanced trainer. Second prototype of the Lavi
was fitted with an in-flight refueling probe.

Some sources
claim, that Chinese
Chengdu J-10 multi-role
fighter was influenced by the IAI Lavi. Other sources claim, that
some technologies of this aircraft were transferred to China and
South African Republic.